Lions outside the Art Institute of Chicago show support for the Bears. / Flickr/Senor Codo

by 10Best.com, USA TODAY

by 10Best.com, USA TODAY

For home fans: The Atlanta Falcons training facilities, next to Lake Sidney Lanier in Flowery Branch, are a must-visit location for diehard Falcon fans. Taco Mac, a perennial favorite Atlanta sports bar, is the go-to for having a brew and watching the Falcons play. This Atlanta-based chain has over a dozen locations in the metro area, including right at the Georgia Dome. Locals rave about its arm's-length breakfast burrito, perfect for a pre-game breakfast. Elliott Street Pub (51 Elliott Street SW) also draws local fans for pre- and post-game drinks and sandwiches.

The Georgia Dome has over a dozen sanctioned tailgating lots, but lots A and B - also known as the Gulch - offer atmosphere and intensity but don't require crossing busy streets to reach the Dome. State Farm's Falcons Landing, occupying the lawn in front of the Georgia Dome, is a little football heaven with plenty of pre-game fun.

For away fans: Even die-hard Falcons supporters recommend their local Taco Mac to visiting fans. A good bet for non-ticketholders might be the location in front of Phillips Arena, just a block down from the Georgia Dome, or any of the others across the city.

State Farm's Falcons Landing is an officially sanctioned family-friendly alternative to tailgating (in front of the Dome). While this area will be thick with home team loyalists, it offers games, giveaways, food and live concerts to anyone en route to the game. The Atlanta Falcons Drumline performs right before the team's arrival at the stadium.

The Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in North America, is a must-see experience for visitors to Atlanta. In the same area of Centennial Olympic Park, The World of Coca-Cola celebrates another local brand. Its popular "Taste It!" exhibit lets patrons try out over 64 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Boston

For home fans: Ticketless Patriots fans still make their way to Patriot Place on game day to be close to the action without actually going through the gates. View the game with fellow revelers at CBS Scene at 200 Patriot Place; the bar overlooks Gillette Field.

First-time visitors to this giant complex should not leave without a stop at The Hall, an interactive museum brimming with fantastic memorabilia. Those who've already made a trip to the Hall can add a little entertainment on game day at 5 Wits in the same complex, where fans become part of the action in a hi-tech, hands-on adventure.

For away fans: If you're cheering for the away team, stick to the city, where Pats fans will be scarce on game day. Pull up a barstool or grab a table at Jillian's (145 Ipswich Street) where the large screen TVs are accompanied by great drinks and good pub grub. If your team starts falling hard, Jillian's offers bowling and pool to distract you. Jillian's location, across from famed Fenway Park, makes a tour of the oldest park in the league an easy add-on for first time visitors. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the "Green Monster," while taking in some of Boston's best sports history.

If you've already seen Fenway, then make your way to the TD Garden and The Sports Museum (100 Legends Way), where you'll enhance your knowledge of Boston sports trivia, while studying famous photos and memorabilia from Boston's recent and distant sports past.

Chicago

For home fans: Sundays in Chicago revolve around Bears games, so every bar and restaurant will tune in the game. Even after departure time for Soldier Field comes and goes, many Bears fans linger over beer buckets and $5 drafts at Cactus (at Wells and Van Buren). Expect to find a sea of blue and orange jerseys at the bloody Mary and mimosa bar at Timothy O'Toole's (N. Fairbanks Court).

Friendly, fun-loving disciples of "Da Bears" proudly show off their elaborate, memorabilia-covered setups and might even offer you a Bobak's polish sausage off the grill.

For away fans: On bad weather days, fans of all NFL teams congregate at Joe's, a cavernous sports bar on Weed Street. After the game, a change to dressier clothes sets up for Bears supporters for steak and wine at Ditka's (100 E. Chestnut Street), operated by the legendary former Bears coach.

Miss the game but still have sports fever? Try a segway tour through Solider Field and along Chicago's picturesque lakefront.

Miami

For home fans: Diehard Miami Dol-fans who aren't going to the game often head to Shula's Steakhouse in mid Miami Beach (at the Alexander Hotel on Collins Avenue). Souvenir jerseys, footballs and photos from the Coach Shula era, and oversize viewing screens adorn the walls. There are plenty of "Shula Cut" steaks, and lobsters as enormous as a quarterback's hands.

For a more relaxed game-day experience, Dolphins loyalists head to Duffy's Sports Grill in North Miami Beach (Northeast 163rd Street ), where more than 100 flat screen TVs are all tuned to the action. Wings and bargain-priced beers are a draw, but hanging out on the deck lets patrons watch boats and yachts; there's even a pool in which to cool off.

Sunny Isles Beach, across the causeway, offers a luxurious option prior to night games: set up camp at Trump International Beach Resort on Collins Avenue, and rent the 'SeaDuction Float,' a unique floating cabana for two, from the Atlantic Beach Clubs Four. Rental includes the use of water sports equipment, bottled water and butler service. Now that's tailgating.

For away fans: If you're in town and looking for a pool-party scene that's tuned to the NFL - but not necessarily filled with a hometown cheering section - the iconic Clevelander on South Beach's famed Ocean Drive is beer-and-burger brilliance. There's another option that's so counter-intuitive you could easily miss it. Head two blocks west to the Playwright Irish Pub on Washington Avenue, where the owners make an effort to attract a football crowd (American and as well as global futbol) with watch parties.

From either place, it's easy to take an architectural tour of Miami Beach's Art Deco District, either by bike or on foot. If you've been-there-done-that, the city's glorious white sand beaches never get old. Everyone's a winner with a late-night drink at the wonderfully grungy Mac's Club Deuce (222 14th St.). At this, the most colorful dive bar in Miami, you could just as easily spot a James Beard award-winning chef as you could a film celeb, reality TV star or drag queen.

Nashville

For home fans: Locals know to head over to Sam's Sport's Bar (1803 21st Ave. S) for quick service and a dozen televisions. After the game, many Titans fans head just down the street, to fuel up with one of Nashville's more incredible sandwiches, the roast beef po' boy at the Villager Tavern (1719 21 Ave. S.). They don't have to go anywhere else for the night as long as they're a fan of darts and cold beer. But some head over to Germantown to indulge in something sweeter than victory - The Mad Platter's decadent Bananas Foster (1239 Sixth Ave. N) .

For away fans: The next best thing to an NFL ticket might be spending a game day at Rippy's Bar & Grill (429 Broadway). Patrons can still hear cheers from all the big plays at LP Field while grabbing BBQ on the roof. Post-game, fans can drown their sorrows or celebrate with a PBR and authentic live music across the street at the infamous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway), its friendly camaraderie irresistable. If your team takes down the Titans, celebrate with a shot of some of Nashville's finest whiskey at award-winning Corsair Distillery (1200 Clinton St.).

New Orleans

For home fans: "Who Dat" Nation - New Orleans Saints fans - know how to throw a great pre-game party. The award-winning Walk-On's on Poydras Street is the spot to be before kick-off: it's equipped with bountiful taps and flat screens. After watching Drew Brees launch an aerial assault against the competition, Saints fans often head to Bourbon Street for post-game celebrations. Here, they order up an authentic Creole dinner at Arnaud's before grabbing a hurricane en route to Cat's Meow for karaoke.

For away fans: The Crescent City is very hospitable to its guests. A great plan before kick-off would be to grab a po-boy and jambalaya at Mother's on Poydras. If the game starts at noon and you're looking for a 'pick me up,' the new Little Gem Saloon can craft up a solid bloody Mary (also on Poydras, on the way to the Superdome). Whether your team wins or loses, don't leave the city without checking out the attractions on Decatur, such as Café du Monde and the French Market.

San Francisco

For home fans: The San Francisco 49ers came within a fingernail of a SuperBowl Championship last year and fans have been bursting for the new season. They're also eager to send historic Candlestick Park out on a good note, since the 49ers will begin play at the brand new billion-dollar Levi's stadium in Santa Clara in 2014. Such expectation, mixed with nostalgia of a football era coming to an end, has created fantastic energy in the city.

Besides random and rowdy tailgate parties in the parking lots at Candlestick Park, a great place to eat and party before or after a game is Lucky Strike Bar (across from AT&T Park and right on a MUNI line). Ticketholders should be aware that beloved but creaky Candlestick sits on a fairly isolated stretch of land by the Bay and can get windy, cold and foggy any day of the year. Be sure to pack warm layers. All major San Francisco hotels will offer some kind of transportation to the game, but Parc 55 Wyndham right on Union Square puts you smack-dab in the middle of the city.

To mingle with die-hard fans, show up three hours before kick-off outside the Grand Plaza seating section of Candlestick for a Tailgate Party that includes all you can eat and live DJs.

For away fans: While old-timers can get away with calling their beloved field "The Dump" (in honor of its prior use), visiting fans should avoid that term. The 49ers faithful will be very sentimental about their home stomping grounds during this final season at Candlestick. Jeering won't be well received.

San Francisco has so many iconic landmarks, you won't be hard pressed to find something amazing to do. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge if you haven't; drive down crooked Lombard Street (just to say you have); ride the cable car down Hyde Street, or sample foodie delights at the Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero.

Seattle

For home fans: If you find yourself downtown on Seahawks' turf come game day, prepare to swim amongst an animated sea of green, blue and silver. Before, during or after the main event at CenturyLink Field, fans enjoy football-fueled festivities at Pioneer Square bars like Sluggers and Elysian Fields on 1st Avenue South. Closer to downtown, patrons consider Belltown's Spitfire (4th Avenue) a great place for game watching and delicious eats. Foodies sometimes hold out for post-game culinary gems Local 360 (on 1st Avenue) or Tavolata (2nd Avenue). For live tunes, they end the night at The Crocodile on 2nd Avenue, one of the city's most storied venues.

For away fans: NFL fans have no trouble scoring a touchdown in the Emerald City. Visitors can soak up some of the city's distinctive neighborhood flavor by heading to sports bars Auto Battery (E. Union Street in Capitol Hill) or Tailgaters (on Ballard Avenue NW in Ballard).

First-time Seattle visitors often relish iconic museums like downtown's Experience Music Project and the Chihuly Garden and Glass complex. There's no shortage of cool neighborhoods to discover, either, so plan to stay an extra day or two if at all possible.